Gameplay
In Dark Sector, the gameplay revolves around the use of the Glaive, a tri-pronged boomerang-esque weapon which returns to Hayden after every throw. The Glaive can be used for long-distance dismemberment, solving environmental puzzles, and picking up various items. When up close to an enemy, context-sensitive actions may appear, allowing the player to execute enemies with "finishers". Enemies will also hold onto Hayden while attacking, and the player must rapidly press a randomly-prompted button to break free. Environmental puzzles in the game usually focus upon capturing various elements (fire, electricity or ice) with the Glaive. For example, a web blocking Hayden's path can be bypassed by capturing fire with the Glaive, and then launching it at the web to burn it down. The Glaive can be dual-wielded with a gun in Hayden's left hand. This allows for combos like stunning a shielded enemy at long-distance with the Glaive, then shooting him while unprotected. As the game progresses, Hayden and the Glaive are given several new abilities; it can be guided through the air, being able to kill multiple enemies (called the afterTouch); a charged-up throw for deadlier attacks (powerThrow); and the ability to make Hayden invisible for a short time (shift) and also provide a temporary shield (shieldPower).
The camera is positioned over the shoulder for third-person shooting, and the player can also take cover by standing next to an object such as a pillar or wall. While in cover, Hayden can pop out and fire, and also throw the Glaive; however, there is no blind fire. There is also a sprint function, which works similar to Gears of War's Roadie Run. There are also simple melee attacks that allow Hayden to punch or slice enemies. The game has no HUD (except for the ammo counter); Hayden's health is shown by the screen flashing red when he takes damage, as well as an indicator showing the attacker's position. If Hayden takes too much damage, the flash speed will increase, and a heartbeat will be heard, indicating Hayden is "bleeding out".
Money (rubles), ammo, weapon upgrades, and grenades can only be found in set locations, so they are impossible to "farm". Downed enemies drop their guns, though after his infection, Hayden can only carry these weapons for a few seconds before they self-destruct. Permanent weapons can be purchased and upgraded in black markets, one small for his off-hand use with the Glaive (replacing the pistol) and one large, such as a shotgun or rifle.
Dark Sector also has an online multiplayer mode, where there are only two modes of gameplay:
- Infection: one player is randomly selected to be Hayden in a deathmatch against many soldier characters.
- Epidemic: two Haydens on separate teams, the objective being to kill the opposing team's Hayden first.
In both modes, Hayden will have superior powers compared to the soldiers. Hayden will be able to become invisible, use the Glaive, etc.; whereas the soldiers cannot.
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